First Commute of Summer Coming - August 13!

Was in a car crash on June 10, and out of the saddle totally till last weekend. Rode 22 minutes last Sunday, and yesterday rode an hour (noticed this morning, I did!!).

Tuesday will be my first commute since about June 7. I AM STOKED! Bike is cleaned and ready, tomorrow will iron and fold the week's clothes. And the weather is typical Western Oregon summer - high in the 80's, I can wear shorts and no jacket on my ride, and if I can get my fitness back in time will pull out the road bike for a coupla long rides to meet the Bride for dinner at our favorite Hopyard tasting room.

I had gotten to take the commute by bike for granted - I did it and just figgered that it was part of every day. Being off the bike was NOT fun. Aside from the pain, the depressing fact that I couldn't even get on my trainer to keep a semblance of fitness and was gaining weight just was a total drag. Amazing how one's perspective gets changed when you are in a disability mode, even if for a short time.

So I have a touch of summer remaining, and hope to be able to use it right. Sadly, my cyclocross plans are out the window, but there's next year.

And it coulda been worse. I have way more to be thankful for than to complain about.....

Been plenty of pain, but got 4-for-4 this week. Hills are killing me, and I am very sore at times, but at least I'm back out there. Sure does a number on my attitude to be off the bike.

Normally, this would be nuttin', but if I get my road ride in tomorrow, I will have put on 100 miles this week for the first time since just after Memorial Day!

And being off the bike changes your perspective about being on the bike - I am just happy to be pedaling, not racing everywhere, and just simply enjoying it. Was fun to drive my truck last night - hadn't been in it in a week! Working on a one-tank September!

Ride in tribute of those who no longer can or who were born sick and never could.

Ride so that you will be seen by someone and may then influence them to get out and ride themselves.

The Bearded Fred: Only known cyclist left in the world to be 100% natural and completely free from performance enhancing drugs. Also known for self reliance, amazing talent for satisfying the women and great guitar riffs. Honestly, a full racing kit is absolutely the most ridiculous looking stuff you can wear short of a clown suit."